Dundee United look like they have “accepted their fate,” according to former captain Lee Wilkie.
Wilkie hasn’t been impressed with the recent transfer dealings of his old club, and believes Mixu Paatelainen has been short for the task of dragging the Tangerines to Premiership safety.
Ryan McGowan, Charlie Telfer, Aidan Connolly and John Souttar have all departed in January, with Kyle Knoyle and Riku Riski coming in.
“January was not a good window for the club,” said Wilkie.
“The club may well have got good cash for the likes of John Souttar and Ryan McGowan, as well as taking them off the wage bill, but they chose not to reinvest that.
“That, to me, makes it look like United have accepted their fate this season. The club failed to deliver for the manager.
“I fear they may have have left themselves short in a number of areas for the run-in, particularly at the back.”
On the Souttar departure, Wilkie added: “It was a shock to see him go.
“When he broke on the scene as a 16-year-old he looked to have the world at his feet.
“As time went on at United it was obvious he was not progressing as he should have. That’s really sad because he is a player of some talent.
“The worst part about all of this is I’m certain Craig Levein and Robbie Neilson will get the best out of him. I still think he’s got all the tools to be a future Scotland international.”